(14)
As I was traverſing the hall,
Where Bruſſels' looms adorn'd the wall,
(Whoſe tap'ſtry ſhews without my aid,
A nun is no ſuch uſeleſs maid)
A graceful perſon came in view,
(His form it ſeems is known to few;)
His dreſs was unadorn'd with lace,
But charms! a thouſand in his face.
This, Sir, your property? I cry'd—
Maſter and manſion coincide;
Where all, indeed, is truly great,
And proves, that bliſs may dwell with ſtate.
Pray, Sir, indulge a ſtranger's claim,
And grant the favour of your name.
"Content," the lovely form reply'd,
But think not, here that I reſide:
Here lives a courtier, baſe and fly;
An open, honeſt, ruſtic, l.
Our taſte and manners diſagree;
His levee boaſt no charms for me:
For titles, and the ſmiles of kings,
To me are cheap unheeded things.
('Tis virtue can alone impart
The patent of a ducal heart:
Unleſs this herald ſpeaks him great,
What ſhall avail the glare of ſtate?)
Thoſe ſecret charms my delight,
Which ſhine remote from public ſight;
Paſſion ſubdued, deſires at reſt—
And hence his chaplain ſhares my breaft.
